Staff at local music shop, West Lothian Guitar Services, have recorded a charity single to raise funds for West Lothian Foodbank. With the help of talented local bands and artists, the cover of Band Aid’s well-known hit Do they Know it’s Christmas, is available to purchase instore at the shop in Ladywell, Livingston. Customers are also encouraged to make cash and food donations to the foodbank.
The foodbank, a member of The Trussell Trust’s network, which reported a 12% increase in referrals over the last six months, believes that the local increase is due to people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments, insecure work and low incomes. As part of a national network campaigning for change, the foodbank is working hard to offer practical emergency support to help prevent people affected going hungry over Christmas and beyond.
West Lothian Foodbank Manager, Kathleen Neilly, said:
“We are extremely grateful to West Lothian Guitar Services, its customers, and all involved in recording the single for thinking of us at Christmas. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the local community during the festive period and all funds raised will help us to continue providing emergency support to the poorest and most vulnerable in West Lothian. Thank you.”
Cal and Sarah Bowes from West Lothian Guitar Services added:
“We hope to raise a good amount of money to help West Lothian Foodbank during an exceptionally busy time of year. We know first-hand that it only takes the smallest bit of bad luck to require the assistance of a foodbank. We are using our privileged position of knowing a lot of the incredibly talented artists in the West Lothian area to record the single to raise funds and donations for the charity.
“The entire single has been recorded, mixed, mastered and printed right here in West Lothian by local artists and companies. We couldn’t have done it without the assistance and generosity The Happentank Music Studio in Linlithgow, CDFlyers in Pumpherston and Stewart Secretarial Services in Livingston and of course the artists and musicians that gave up their time to share their talent.”